Posts Tagged ‘birds’

We’ve heard so many of reports recently about the decline in insect populations, both pollinators and other insects, that many gardeners are wondering how they can help. Recent news of the decline in bird populations and the populations of other vertebrates is also rather chilling.

Insects are not only vital pollinators for our crops and for wild fruits and for seed-set in wild and garden flowers, but they also provide – not to put too fine a point on it – themselves as food for birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even other insects. A brood of ten blue tit chicks can get through one thousand caterpillars – per day! [At first, I didn’t believe that either but the British Trust for Ornithology confirms the figure]

But blue tits are also very efficient predators of aphids, and I’ve watched them dealing with infestations on roses and lupins very efficiently, carrying beakfuls off to their chicks.

Now, I’m not suggesting that we plant roses so that blue tits and other birds can feed on their aphids! But the help of gardeners can be crucial in two ways: firstly, by attracting wildlife of all kinds to our gardens through providing food and nest sites, and secondly by planting varieties that insects appreciate. Over the next few weeks I’ll be looking at different ways to help insects and other wildlife.

The RSPB, the country’s largest nature conservation charity, is inspiring everyone to give nature a home, and has launched a television advertising campaign to make a greater number aware of the extent of its important work and emphasising this message. The charity’s Geoff Brown said, “We regard our link to Mr Fothergill’s as an exciting opportunity to work with a company which shares the RSPB’s values and to raise awareness of our mission to help and protect endangered wildlife.”

Each packet or box carries a silhouette icon to show whether the contents attract birds, pollinating insects, butterflies or a combination of the three, all of which the RSPB now seeks to protect. The charity receives a royalty from Mr Fothergill’s for every pack sold to help its work with British wildlife.

The RSPB seed range is widely available from retail stockists of Mr Fothergill’s throughout the UK. If you are interested in stocking the RSPB range in your garden centre or retail outlet, then get in touch with usto discuss.